Fire-fighters in Loulé, Tavira, São Brás de Alportel, Alcoutim and Castro Marim have all been placed on maximum alert for the duration of the day due to prevailing weather conditions being conducive to forest fires.

The entire region is also on yellow alert until 9pm due to persistently high maximum temperatures.

Officials have also issued a warning due to the UV rays which will reach dangerously high levels today, with people requested to avoid exposure to the sun between noon and 4pm.